The Ramblings of Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring James Conboy Jr.

"Soldier, would you mind standing up? I'd like to take your picture" Robert Capa said to me.

"It was the last good picture of my right leg" (James Conboy Jr.)

This is James Conboy Jr of Philadelphia PA, 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division, just before heading towards Germany during Operation Varsity, wearing a 'Cheyenne Warlock' haircut as they had a Cheyenne native Indian trooper in their unit, Saturday March 24, 1945.

On this day Jim Conboy participated in Operation Varsity. He was only 19 years old when he made the jump near the Rhine River, northeast of Wessel, Germany. After the jump, however, a 20mm shell hit him in the right leg, shattering it. His leg was amputated, for which he received a Purple Heart.

War photographer Robert Capa's shot of Mr. Conboy, taken just before boarding the plane that took him to Germany, was featured in a 1945 Life magazine photo essay and picked up by media around the world. Mr. Conboy appeared in a 2003 PBS documentary, Robert Capa: In Love and War.

Conboy was awarded a Purple Heart and also a Bronze Star for his courage in combat.

He passed on January 29, 2004. He was 78 years old.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Trevor Stacey

Pause for a moment and join us in playing our respects to Trevor Stacey, who has passed away aged 99. Mr Stacey served with the Royal Marines and took part in the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944, as the Allied invasion of Normandy got under way. Thank you for your service, Trevor.

The Rambling of a Crusty Old Sailor - Gun for Hire

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - RIP Richard Hallen Davis

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Still More Coherent Than Joe Biden

Still More Coherent Than Joe Biden

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Army Lt. Colonel Robert Burr Smith

♠️Band of Brothers ♠️

Robert Burr Smith (May 2, 1924 - January 7, 1983) was an American Army Officer. He was famous for his service for Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army during World War II.

Smith was one of the 140 Toccoa men of Easy Company. Smith's life story was featured in the 2009 book We Who Are Alive and Remain: Untold Stories from Band of Brothers.

Smith enlisted in the army at Rochester, New York in August 18, 1942 and volunteered for paratroopers. He was sent to Toccoa, Georgia for training and befriended Warren 'Skip' Muck and Donald Malarkey.

William Guarnere in his biography said that Smith 'was a nice boy, so you blamed him for the devilment, because nobody believe it'

Smith made his first combat jump on D-Day into Normandy. He was originally with Plane 66, but was transferred out of the plane right before it took off as it was omvercrowded by Richard Winters[5] Plane 66 was later shot down by German artillery, killing everyone on board, including Easy Company Commander Lieutenant Thomas Meehan. Smith landed in an apple orchard in Normandy. He met with Robert Rader, Frank Perconte and others to engage in minor firefight . They joined with Easy Company at dawn. Smith was later wounded in Carentan.

Smith also fought in Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge. In January 13, 1945, Smith was wounded in Foy, Belgium and was evacuated to the hospital. He met Perconte and Malarkey and the three rejoined Easy Company in Germany before the end of the war.

After the war, Smith returned to Los Angeles. He married a woman named Mary Jane and they had three children. He became a lithographer by trade. Smith stayed active in the Army Reserves and rose to Major.

In the 1960s, Smith became a Green Beret after receiving Special Forces training.

He was then recruited by the CIA to be a paramilitary specialist for action in Laos during the Vietnam War. He continued to perform his Army Reserve duties at this period and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Smith returned to the States in 1974 and became the CIA liaison officer to the Delta Force. In 1980, Smith participated in the failed mission to free American hostages in the US embassy in Tehran, Iran.

Smith retired from the CIA after a hang gliding accident. He was later diagnosed with lung cancer. He died in January

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Spc. Joseph P. Collette

Honoring Spc. Joseph P. Collette who selflessly sacrificed his life two years ago in Afghanistan for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Never Forget

NEVER FORGET

THE ONES THAT GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR YOUR FREEDOM

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Paying Respects to Stan Markut

Pause for a moment and join us in paying our respects to Stan Markut, one of the last Polish Army combat veterans, who died this morning at the age of 100.

In October of 1942, Stan was in Kelso, Scotland. After initial training he was sent to a wheeled driver’s school in December of ’42. There he was familiarized with Ford and Chevrolet vehicles. After that he was again reassigned to armour training initially on Churchill and Valentine tanks.

The Normandy veteran lived and worked in the UK after the war, before emigrating to the USA.

Thank you for your service, Stan.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Trevor Casper

On March 24, 2015, Trooper Trevor Casper, 21 years of age and an eight-month veteran of the Wisconsin State Patrol made the ultimate sacrifice when he lost his life in the line of duty while attempting to apprehend a suspect in Fond du Lac County.

Trooper Casper was following a vehicle driven by a suspect from a bank robbery and murder that occurred earlier in the day. Before backup could arrive, the suspect opened fire on Trooper Casper. Though wounded, Trooper Casper was able to return fire and kill the suspect before succumbing to his fatal injuries.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Army Spc. Jamaal R. Addison

Honoring Army Spc. Jamaal R. Addison who selflessly sacrificed his life eighteen years ago in Iraq for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Airman A1C Keigan Baker

Honoring Airman A1C Keigan Baker who was KIT one year ago. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Sgt. 1st Class Robert R. Boniface

Honoring Sgt. 1st Class Robert R. Boniface who selflessly sacrificed his life four years ago in Afghanistan for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Why Carry A Gun?

My old Grandpa said to me, 'Son, there comes a time in every man's life when he stops bustin' knuckles and starts bustin' caps and usually it's when he becomes too old to take a whoopin'.'

I don't carry a gun to kill people; I carry a gun to keep from being killed.

I don't carry a gun because I'm evil; I carry a gun because I have lived long enough to see the evil in the World.

I don't carry a gun because I hate the government; I carry a gun because I understand the limitations of government.

I don't carry a gun because I'm angry; I carry a gun so that I don't have to spend the rest of my life hating myself for failing to be prepared.

I don't carry a gun because I want to shoot someone; I carry a gun because I want to die at a ripe old age in my bed and not on a sidewalk somewhere tomorrow afternoon.

I don't carry a gun to make me feel like a man; I carry a gun because men know how to take care of themselves and the ones they love.

I don't carry a gun because I feel inadequate; I carry a gun because unarmed and facing three armed thugs, I am inadequate.

I don't carry a gun because I love it; I carry a gun because I love life and the people who make it meaningful to me.

Police protection is an oxymoron: Free citizens must protect themselves because police do not protect you from crime; they just investigate the crime after it happens and then call someone in to clean up the mess.

Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take a whoopin'!

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A LITTLE GUN HISTORY

PLEASE DON'T THINK FOR A MOMENT, THAT THIS COULDN'T HAPPEN IN OUR COUNTRY ALSO !!!!!!

(1) In 1911, Turkey established gun control:

(a) From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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(2) In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control:

(a) From 1929 to 1953, about 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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(3) In 1938, Germany established gun control:

(a) From 1939 to 1945, a total of 13 million Jews and others who were unable to defend themselves were rounded up and exterminated.

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(4) China established gun control in 1935:

(a) From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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(5) Cambodia established gun control in 1956:

(a) From 1975 to 1977, one million educated people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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(6) Guatemala established gun control in 1964:

(a) From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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(7) Uganda established gun control in 1970:

(a) From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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56 million defenseless people were rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of gun control.

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You won't see this data on the US evening news, or hear politicians disseminating this information.

Guns in the hands of honest citizens save lives and property and, yes, gun-control laws adversely affect ONLY the law-abiding citizens.

With guns, we are 'citizens'; without them, we are 'subjects'

.

During WW II, the Japanese decided not to invade America because they knew most Americans were ARMED!

Gun owners in the USA are the largest armed forces in the World!

If you value your freedom, please spread this anti-gun control message to all of your friends.

The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in defense.

The sword is more important than the shield and skill is more important than either.

SWITZERLAND ISSUES A GUN TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD! SWITZERLAND'S GOVERNMENT ISSUES AND TRAINS EVERY ADULT IN THE USE OF A RIFLE.

SWITZERLAND HAS THE LOWEST GUN RELATED CRIME RATE OF ANY CIVILIZED COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!!!

IT'S A NO BRAINER! DON'T LET OUR GOVERNMENT WASTE MILLIONS OF OUR TAX DOLLARS IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE ALL LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS AN EASY TARGET.

I'm a firm believer in the 2nd Amendment! If you are too, please forward this. If you're not a believer, please reconsider the true facts. This is history; and if we do not want history to repeat itself, we must wake up.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - We Remember Major Harold Slater

We Remember Major Harold Slater, MBE

Today we pause to remember the life and service of 2974 Major Harold Leslie Slater, MBE, who died of wounds as a result of his service in Vietnam on the 17th of March 1971.

Originally from Newtown, NSW, Harold enlisted in the Australian Army on the 5th of July 1942 as a Military Policeman. By the end of WWII he had attained the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1 and was posted to the 34th Australian Infantry Brigade Provost Company as part of the British and Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan.

Harold commissioned as a Lieutenant after WWII and continued to serve in the Provost Corps whilst in Korea. He was gazetted on the 24th of November 1953 as Member of the British Empire. Harold was promoted to Major and saw service in Vietnam from 1968 as part of the Australian Force Vietnam Provost Unit.

He was wounded in Vung Tau and evacuated to Brisbane, where he unfortunately died of his wounds on the 17th of March 1971. Harold spent 388 days in Vietnam during his service.

Lest we forget.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring the Life and Ultimate Sacrifice of Joe R. Hastings - WWII - US Army - Medal of Honor Recipient

Today we honor the life and ultimate sacrifice of:
Joe R. Hastings | World War II | U.S. Army | Medal of Honor Recipient

Citation: He fought gallantly during an attack against strong enemy forces defending Drabenderhohe, Germany, from the dug-in position on commanding ground.

As squad leader of a light machine-gun section supporting the advance of the 1st and 3d Platoons, he braved direct rifle, machine-gun, 20-mm, and mortar fire, some of which repeatedly missed him only by inches, and rushed forward over 350 yards of open, rolling fields to reach a position from which he could fire on the enemy troops.

From this vantage point he killed the crew of the 20-mm gun and a machine gun, drove several enemy riflemen from their positions, and so successfully shielded the 1st Platoon that it had time to reorganize and remove its wounded to safety.

Observing that the 3d Platoon to his right was being met by very heavy 40-mm and machine-gun fire, he ran 150 yards with his gun to the leading elements of that unit, where he killed the crew of the 40-mm gun. As spearhead of the 3d Platoon's attack, he advanced, firing his gun held at hip height, disregarding the bullets that whipped past him, until the assault had carried 175 yards to the objective.

In this charge he and the riflemen he led killed or wounded many of the fanatical enemy and put two machine guns out of action. Pfc. Hastings, by his intrepidity, outstanding leadership, and unrelenting determination to wipe out the formidable German opposition, cleared the path for his company's advance into Drabenderhohe.

He was killed four days later while again supporting the 3d Platoon.

Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring the Life and Sacrifice of Mikio Hasemoto - WWII - US Army - Medal of Honor Recipient

Today we honor the life and ultimate sacrifice of:
Mikio Hasemoto | World War II | U.S. Army | Medal of Honor Recipient

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Private Mikio Hasemoto distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 29 November 1943, in the vicinity of Cerasuolo, Italy.

A force of approximately 40 enemy soldiers, armed with machine guns, machine pistols, rifles, and grenades, attacked the left flank of his platoon. Two enemy soldiers with machine guns advanced forward firing their weapons. Private Hasemoto, an automatic rifleman, challenged these two machine gunners. After firing four magazines at the approaching enemy, his weapon was shot and damaged. Unhesitatingly, he ran 10 yards to the rear, secured another automatic rifle and continued to fire until his weapon jammed. At this point, Private Hasemoto and his squad leader had killed approximately 20 enemy soldiers. Again, Private Hasemoto ran through a barrage of enemy machine gun fire to pick up an M-1 rifle.

Continuing their fire, Private Hasemoto and his squad leader killed 10 more enemy soldiers. With only three enemy soldiers left, he and his squad leader charged courageously forward, killing one, wounding one, and capturing another. The following day, Private Hasemoto continued to repel enemy attacks until he was killed by enemy fire.

Private Hasemoto's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Lest We Forget

LEST WE FORGET

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring North Carolina Army National Guard Spc. Jocelyn L. Carrasquillo

Honoring North Carolina Army National Guard Spc. Jocelyn L. Carrasquillo who selflessly sacrificed his life seventeen years ago in Iraq for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Marine Cpl. Jonathan D. Porto

Honoring Marine Cpl. Jonathan D. Porto who selflessly sacrificed his life eleven years ago in Afghanistan for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Helicopter Pilot Scott Alwin

Helicopter pilot Scott Alwin, a native of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, with his UH-1 ("Huey"). Alwin spent five tours of duty in Vietnam from 1967 to 1972, serving in one of the most dangerous assignments of the war. He is believed to have clocked more air time than any other American in the war. He was awarded two bronze stars, a distinguished flying cross, a purple heart, and 70 oak leaf clusters. Alwin received a field commission to 2nd lieutenant and was promoted to captain. He resigned the commission in order to remain in flight status. Scott Alwin passed in 1976.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring 2nd Lt. Allen "Ace" Cozzalio

Upon arrival to D Troop in December of 1967, a new 2nd Lieutenant named Allen “Ace” Cozzalio made a quick impression as a renegade pilot that led from the front. He loved the cavalry and its historical elements. When not flying, he was often be seen wearing the traditional 1860s blue cavalry uniform with a yellow scarf, stetson hat, and cavalry officer’s saber. Always the cowboy, instead of using briefcases to carry around massive amounts of paperwork like other pilots, “Ace” opted to use saddlebags instead.

During his eighteen months in Vietnam, Allen Ace Cozzalio was shot down six times. On several other occasions he brought his Loach back home so damaged from enemy fire that it was no longer flyable. He received every medal for valor except the Medal of Honor.

Among his legendary exploits, Cozzalio, after seeing a Huey crash and explode in flames, landed his OH-6 Loach nearby and he and his crew chief rescued the unconscious pilot and co-pilot. Cozzalio and his crew chief received the Soldier’s Medal for their actions that day.

Following the 9th Infantry Division’s Battle of Phu My, Cozzalio was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for performing an incredible act of bravery. Seeing that a 90-man unit crossing an open field was pinned down by NVA machine gun fire from a reinforced bunker, he landed his Loach on top of the bunker while his gunner jumped out and tossed a grenade into it. Cozzalio lifted off just before the grenade exploded and destroyed the bunker.

Rev. Dan Polecheck - Universal Life Church Ministries - Gary Sinise Foundation Donations

March 15th is my 71st Birthday

For my birthday this year, I'm asking for donations to Gary Sinise Foundation. I've chosen this nonprofit because their mission means a lot to me, and I hope you'll consider contributing as a way to celebrate with me. Every little bit will help me reach my goal. I've included information about Gary Sinise Foundation below.

At the Gary Sinise Foundation, we serve our Nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.

We do this by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities.

100% of your donation goes directly to the nonprofit.

At the Gary Sinise Foundation, we serve our Nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.

We do this by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities.

Please click HERE to donate.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Marine Lance Cpl. Dennis J. Veater

Honoring Marine Lance Cpl. Dennis J. Veater who selflessly sacrificed his life fourteen years ago in Iraq for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring the Life & Legacy of Raymond Harvey - Korean War - US Army - Medal of Honor Recipient

Today we honor the life and legacy of: Raymond Harvey Korean War - U.S. Army - Medal of Honor Recipient

Capt. Harvey, Company C, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. When his company was pinned down by a barrage of automatic-weapons fire from numerous well-entrenched emplacements, imperiling accomplishment of its mission, Capt. Harvey braved a hail of fire and exploding grenades to advance to the first enemy machine-gun nest, killing its crew with grenades.

Rushing to the edge of the next emplacement, he killed its crew with carbine fire. He then moved the 1st Platoon forward until it was again halted by a curtain of automatic fire from well-fortified hostile positions.

Disregarding the hail of fire, he personally charged and neutralized a third emplacement. Miraculously escaping death from intense crossfire, Capt. Harvey continued to lead the assault.

Spotting an enemy pillbox well-camouflaged by logs, he moved close enough to sweep the emplacement with carbine fire and throw grenades through the openings, annihilating its five occupants.

Though wounded he then turned to order the company forward, and, suffering agonizing pain, he continued to direct the reduction of the remaining hostile positions, refusing evacuation until assured that the mission would be accomplished.

Capt. Harvey's valorous and intrepid actions served as an inspiration to his company, reflecting the utmost glory upon himself and upholding the heroic traditions of the military service.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Army Sgt. 1st Class Dae Han Park

Honoring Army Sgt. 1st Class Dae Han Park who selflessly sacrificed his life ten years ago in Afghanistan for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Air Force Reserve's 71st Special Operations Squadron, 943rd Rescue Group, 5th Special Forces Group

On Sunday evening, March 12, 1989, while participating in a joint-service training exercise, four aircrew members from the Air Force Reserve's 71st Special Operations Squadron, now known as the 943rd Rescue Group, and 11 soldiers from the 5th Special Forces Group from Fort Bragg, N.C., died in the crash of a CH-3E Jolly Green Giant Helicopter, tail number 65-05692, call sign PONY 1-2. The crash happened in a desolate desert region 20 miles northwest of Tucson. Please help me honor them so that they are not forgotten.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Army Sgt. Gabriel Guzman

Honoring Army Sgt. Gabriel Guzman who selflessly sacrificed his life thirteen years ago in Afghanistan for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

Rev. Dan Polecheck - The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - A Marine stands guard while a brave young child dies.

A Marine stands guard while a brave young child dies

“Every now and then, in the middle of the constant barrage of garbage that’s just passing on to the US Public as news these days, we come across a story, a feat, an event that just makes us stop in our tracks. This was one for me.

Cody Green was a 12-year kid in Indiana who was diagnosed with leukemia at 22 months old. He loved the Marines, and his parents said he drew strength and courage from the Marine Corps as ... he bravely fought the battle into remission three times. Although he was cancer-free at the time, the chemotherapy had lowered his immune system and he developed a fungus infection that attacked his brain. Two weeks ago, as he struggled to fend off that infection in the hospital, the Marines wanted to show how much they respected his will to live, his strength, honor and courage. They presented Cody with Marine navigator wings and named him an honorary member of the United States Marine Corps.

For one Marine, that wasn't enough ... so that night, before Cody Green passed away, he took it upon himself to stand guard at Cody's hospital door all night long, 8 hours straight.

Nowhere on the face of this planet is there a country so blessed as we to have men and women such as this.

Rev. Dan Polecheck - Universal Life Church Ministries - Mrs. Thompson

As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children an untruth. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. However, that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.

Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he did not play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. In addition, Teddy could be unpleasant.

It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big "F" at the top of his papers.

At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.

Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners... he is a joy to be around.."

His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle."

His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken."

Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in class."

By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper That he got from a grocery bag Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one-quarter full of perfume.. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to." After the children left, she cried for at least an hour.

On that very day, she quit teaching reading, writing and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children. Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of her "teacher's pets.."

A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling* her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.

Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in life.

Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he had ever had in his whole life.

Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer.... The letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD.

The story does not end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he had met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit at the wedding in the place that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom.

Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. Moreover, she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together.

They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, "Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference."

Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you."

(For you that don't know, Teddy Stoddard is the Dr. at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines that has the Stoddard Cancer Wing.)

Warm someone's heart today. . . pass this along. I love this story so very much, I cry every time I read it. Just try to make a difference in someone's life today? tomorrow? Just "do it".

Random acts of kindness, I think they call it?

Rev. Dan Polecheck - Universal Life Church Ministries - After

I did not write this - but WOW does it speak to my heart!!! Worth the read.

Barely the day started and... it's already six in the evening.

Barely arrived on Monday and it's already Friday.

... and the month is already over.

... and the year is almost over.

... and already 40, 50 or 60 years of our lives have passed.

... and we realize that we lost our parents, friends.

and we realize it's too late to go back...

So... Let's try, despite everything, to enjoy the remaining time...

Let's keep looking for activities that we like...

Let's put some color in our grey...

Let's smile at the little things in life that put balm in our hearts.

And despite everything, we must continue to enjoy with serenity this time we have left. Let's try to eliminate the afters...

I'm doing it after...

I'll say after...

I'll think about it after...

We leave everything for later like ′′ after ′′ is ours.

Because what we don't understand is that:

Afterwards, the coffee gets cold...

afterwards, priorities change...

Afterwards, the charm is broken...

afterwards, health passes...

Afterwards, the kids grow up...

Afterwards parents get old...

Afterwards, promises are forgotten...

afterwards, the day becomes the night...

afterwards life ends...

And then it's often too late....

So... Let's leave nothing for later...

Because still waiting see you later, we can lose the best moments,

the best experiences,

best friends,

the best family...

The day is today... The moment is now...

We are no longer at the age where we can afford to postpone what needs to be done right away.

So let's see if you have time to read this message and then share it.

Or maybe you'll leave it for... ′′ later "...

And you'll never share it....

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Army Spc. Alan N. Dikcis

Honoring Army Spc. Alan N. Dikcis who selflessly sacrificed his life eleven years ago in Afghanistan for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Army Spc. Adriana N. Salem

Honoring Army Spc. Adriana N. Salem who selflessly sacrificed her life sixteen years ago in Iraq for our great Country. Please help me honor her so that she is not forgotten.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Navy SEAL Neil Roberts

Honoring Navy SEAL Neil Roberts who selflessly sacrificed his life during Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Army Spc. Jessica Y. Sarandrea

Honoring Army Spc. Jessica Y. Sarandrea who selflessly sacrificed her life twelve years ago in Iraq for our great Country. Please help me honor her so that she is not forgotten.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Army Spc. Michael R. Woodliff

Honoring Army Spc. Michael R. Woodliff who selflessly sacrificed his life seventeen years ago in Iraq for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Marine Cpl. Conner T. Lowry

Honoring Marine Cpl. Conner T. Lowry who selflessly sacrificed his life nine years ago in Afghanistan for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Gary Sinise is Lt. Dan

The character of Lt. Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump became a symbol of our country's collective awareness of all our injured veterans, especially the Vietnam veteran, as Gary explains in his book, Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service. Lt. Dan was also a source of inspiration for Gary to support and advocate for our nation’s veterans and the real Lt. Dan's from conflicts past and present. On #MondayMotivation, take inspiration from Gary's words and ask yourself, how am I helping or honoring our nation's real Lt. Dan's?

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Army Sgt. Kristopher J. Gould

Honoring Army Sgt. Kristopher J. Gould who selflessly sacrificed his life ten years ago in Afghanistan for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

The Ramblings of A Crusty Old Sailor - The Unseen Scars

The Unseen Scars

When Julian, a Marine Corps Veteran, lost both of his legs to an IED in Afghanistan, it created new challenges for him and his wife, Ashley. They both realized they needed counseling and sought out support through VA. Now their family is stronger than ever.

Rev. Dan Polecheck - Universal Life Church Ministries - Be the Reason Someone Believes in Good People

Be The Reason Someone Believes in Good People

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - A Salute to the Heroes of the 692nd Tank Destroyer Battalion

A Salute to the Heroes of the 692nd Tank Destroyer Battalion

Soldiers of a tank destroyer battalion warm themselves with coffee before going into action against the Germans near Stolberg, Germany. 16 November, 1944. Co. D, 692nd Tank Destroyer Battalion. Fought along the Siegfried Line in the vicinity of Stolberg beginning in November. Occupied defensive positions along the Roer River during the Battle of the Bulge. Converted to the M36 in February 1945, supported the drive from the Roer to the Rhine River in late February and early March, and helped capture Cologne. After clearing more Siegfried Line fortifications, crossed the Rhine at Worms on 31 March. Raced across Germany in April and participated in the capture of Furth.